Hi All,

I know it’s been a while and many of you have been wondering where I have been. I had a few hiccups and decided to pull back on my blog and social media but I’m back! In today’s post I just wanted to update everyone and let you all know how my first race went! Also, I have a special announcement!

Hiccups On the Journey

One day about a month ago, I suffered from a chronic back spasms that left me almost immobile and barely able to walk or move. I suffered with mobility for about a week and was unable to practice. After a week I was able to gradually start doing more things with little to no pain and after two weeks I was hurdling again. Because of this hiccup, I was unable to compete in the first two meets that I scheduled and pushed my season opener back to this past weekend, April 30th. I didn’t want to jinx it so I went underground for a while.

Season Opener

I traveled down to El Paso, Texas for my first meet in two years. I was nervous but my plan was to just go and have fun. After all this is what I love to do and I was just grateful to be able to compete. With all the trials and tribulations of this season making it to the starting line was a blessing in itself. My race did not go as well as I wanted to or as I had planned. I wasn’t able to execute the way I wanted but that is understandable because I was shaking the dust off. I had some rhythm issues in the second turn because the track had extremely tight turns. Coming off of the turn I was in fighting for second place but I was finally able to open up my stride and give a solid kick. I was able to catch the first place runner and we went over the last hurdle together. We battled to the line and about 5 to 10 meters from the finish line I was able to pull away for the win! You can watch the race below!

Winning my first race back was a great feeling because I have been working extremely hard and I believe I needed the confidence. The first race is also the most nerve wracking because no one is ever sure of where they are or what kind of shape they are in. We always feel good and hope for the best but we never know for sure until we cross the finish line. I left everything behind for this journey, I moved to clear across the country and delayed my career to take a leap of faith so winning the first race was just confirmation that I am on the right path!

Special Announcement

Speaking of me taking a leap of faith and being on the right path, I want to let you all know that I am going to be selling “Road to Rio: Team Buckley” T-shirts!!!! I am so grateful and blessed to have an awesome support team and fan based! You all believe in me so much and that belief is what encourages me to keep going and pursuing this Olympic dream! A lot of people have asked how they can help and want to be more apart of my journey and I feel like this is a great way for you all to do that! The t-shirts are going to come with a signed photo as well! And for those of you who just want to give financially and don’t like tshirts, I will also be starting a Gofundme page. I will be unveiling the design next week and will start taking orders. You will be able to order via my blog next week!! The design is amazing and I know you all will love it!!!! Thank you soooooo much for all of your love, blessings and well wishes! I wouldn’t be able to do this without you guys!!

Want to see my race????? Watch below!!

Next Track Meet this weekend in Metro L.A.!!! Occidental College Invitational!!

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